Draft moves | Sports Daily Newsletter

Who had former Villanova star Cam Whitmore sliding all the way from potential lottery choice to 20th pick in the NBA draft? Whitmore, 18, didn’t exactly blow away the college competition as a Wildcat, but he still seemed to ooze potential.

However, it was the potential of Dereck Lively II that was snatched up in the 12th spot, ostensibly by the OKC Thunder, but really the Dallas Mavericks via a trade. The former Westtown and Duke star, only 19, was the highest center taken in the draft aside from the pre-draft obvious No. 1, Victor Wembanyama, also 19.

With bodies yet to fully mature and and mindsets yet to be tested by the pros, any teenager taken in the NBA draft is bound to be a gamble, even Wembanyama. Whitmore could yet end up being the steal of the draft, but for now, there’s a lot left to prove.

— Andrea Canales, Inquirer Sports Staff, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

Victor Wembanyama took a full bite out of the Big Apple this week. He threw out a first pitch at Yankee Stadium, rode an MTA train through New York City and made a stop at Rucker Park. And that was all before the San Antonio Spurs selected him with the first pick in the NBA draft on Thursday night. While the conclusion of his week was predictable, Wembanyama still became emotional after crossing the stage and shaking commissioner Adam Silver’s hand. “Probably the best night of my life. I’ve been dreaming about this for so long. It’s just a dream come true.”

Kyle Schwarber has long been a liability in left field. He has a minus-16 defensive runs saved this season, which is the worst mark of his career. He has said multiple times — and reiterated on Thursday — that he’s not battling an injury, but he still doesn’t appear to be moving well. Regardless, his poor defense cost the Phillies on Thursday in a 5-1 loss to the Braves in 10 innings.

Ranger Suárez is throwing curveballs more than ever. Here’s how it’s helped him find success this season as one of the Phillies’ most reliable pitchers.

The scout who signed Scott Rolen and spent 17 seasons with the Phillies is suing MLB for age discrimination.

Next: The Phillies open a three-game home series against the Mets at 7:05 p.m. Friday (Apple TV+). Taijuan Walker (7-3, 4.31) will start against Mets right-hander Kodai Senga (6-4, 3.53).

Zach Benson has a lot of things going for himself — he was the WHL’s third-leading scorer last year, is widely considered one of the top playmakers in this draft class, and is projected to be picked in the top 20 of next week’s draft. The one thing he doesn’t is size.

At just 5-foot-9, and 170 pounds, Benson is one of the smaller players projected at the top end of the draft. While this surely will scare some teams off, taking a big risk could come with major upside. With the Flyers holding the seventh overall pick, Giana Han recently talked with Benson about how he’s overcome his physical limitations and why he believes he will succeed in the NHL.

While Danny Brière didn’t give away who the Flyers will take at No. 7, the new Flyers general manager spoke Thursday to discuss the draft and the team’s approach to it as they embark on a rebuild.

Julián Carranza has emerged as one of the best players in Major League Soccer. But it is easy to forget he was acquired for relative peanuts — $500,000 in General Allocation Money and a future transfer percentage.

How? Jonathan Tannenwald looks back at Inter Miami’s fateful decision to let Carranza go and how it has paved two very different paths for the two clubs since.

Next: Carranza and the Union host his former club Inter Miami Saturday at Subaru Park (7:30 p.m., Apple TV, paywalled).

Pro Football Hall of Fame offensive tackle Bob Brown passed away last week at age 81. He played five seasons for the Eagles and was selected to the Pro Bowl three times during his time in Philadelphia.

We also have a look at John Walton, the Eagles’ first Black quarterback who was inducted into the Black College Football Hall of Fame earlier this month. And there’s pride for Walton in being able to watch Jalen Hurts excel. “He’s a kid who they doubted and questioned and said all these things about when he first got here and to see the awesome athlete and role model he’s become is inspiring.”

Our Kerith Gabriel tells Walton’s story here.

Boomtown: What is Philly’s role in the growth of sports betting?

Legacy from Liberia: Patrick Garwo’s refugee parents were rich in love and they taught him to assist others.

NBA dreams: The careers that start in the second round of the NBA draft often surprise, and Seth Lundy is aiming to do that.

We asked you: In your opinion, what is the biggest Sixers draft regret? Among your responses:

It’s a toss-up: Jason Tatum/ Mikail Bridges. But then there are so many Philly alums that we don’t know what to do with when they’re here, but go on to great careers elsewhere — they are spread throughout the NBA. I think we’re missing something in player development, as well as coaching. — Mary M.

The Sixers just can’t draft. Why I don’t know — Bill M.

Losing Brad Doughtery to Cleveland for some washed up forward who was injured. I don’t even remember his name. — Mike V.

Way too many to count, let alone rate. — Daniel B.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Keith Pompey, Gina Mizell, Isabella DiAmore, Aaron Carter, Alex Coffey, Matt Breen, Giana Han, Jonathan Tannenwald, Kerith Gabriel, and Jeff Neiburg.